Ready to start your Accounting Career?
We have an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Accounts Assistant to join the team at 1st technologies in Ribchester.
The apprentice will sit within the Finance Team at 1st Technologies, supporting day to day transactional operations of the business.
Their primary focus will be purchase ledger administration, including processing supplies invoices, reconciling supplier statements, and assisting with the payment runs across the business. They will also take on credit control duties, such as chasing outstanding debtor balances, allocating incoming receipts and maintaining accurate customer account records.The role provides a solid grounding in the full accounts payable and receivable cycle within a fast-paced, multi-entity trading environment.
Duties:
Department: Finance
Reports to: Finance Director
Summary: An entry-level role supporting the day-to-day running of the accounts function. The Accounts Apprentice will assist with purchase ledger invoicing, accounts inbox management and credit control, while studying towards a recognised accounting qualification and building a strong foundation of finance, systems and administrative skills.
Purchase Ledger
- Accurately process supplier invoices and credit notes onto the finance system, matching to purchase orders and delivery notes where applicable.
- Resolve invoice queries and discrepancies with suppliers and internal stakeholders, escalating where necessary.
- Maintain accurate supplier records, including bank details and contact information, in line with company controls.
- Support supplier statement reconciliations and month-end purchase ledger close activities.
Inbox Management
- Monitor and manage the shared accounts inbox, triaging incoming emails and responding to routine queries promptly and professionally.
- File and save supplier invoices, statements and correspondence in line with company filing standards.
- Route items requiring action to the appropriate member of the finance team and follow up to ensure resolution.
Credit Control
- Assist with chasing outstanding customer payments by email and telephone in line with agreed credit terms.
- Allocate customer receipts to the sales ledger and assist with the production of aged debtor reports.
- Issue customer statements and copy invoices on request and help maintain accurate customer account information.
- Flag overdue accounts and potential risks to the Finance Director for review.
General Finance Administration
- Provide general administrative support to the finance team, including scanning, filing and data entry.
- Attend all required apprenticeship training sessions and complete study commitments to progress through the qualification.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Finance Director to support the wider finance function.
On a day-to-day basis the apprentice will primarily interact with the finance team in person and customers over the phone and email
Desired Skills and Personal Qualities
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- Good numeracy skills and attention to detail.
- Clear written and verbal communication, with a professional and courteous manner when dealing with suppliers, customers and colleagues.
- Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
- Well organised, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
- Willingness to learn, ask questions and take on feedback constructively.
- Reliable, trustworthy and able to handle confidential financial information with discretion.
- A positive, team-oriented attitude and commitment to working towards a recognised accounting qualification.
- Punctual, reliable, and professional in dress, tone, and communication with suppliers, customers, and colleagues.
- Demonstrates curiosity; asks good questions, takes notes, and does not repeat the same mistake after feedback is given.
- Acts with discretion when handling confidential financial information.
- Takes constructive feedback well and applies it visibly in subsequent work.
- Contributes positively to the finance team and supports colleagues when workload allows.
Qualifications Required
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.
- Eligibility to undertake an AAT (or equivalent) apprenticeship, typically at Level 2 or Level 3.
- No previous finance experience is required; any prior office, customer service or admin exposure (including part-time or work experience) is welcomed.
- A genuine interest in building a career in finance or accountancy.
Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship
Intermediate Apprenticeship Level 2
Proposed Duration
Level 2 – 15 months
Future Prospects
Permanent Role
AAT Level 3
Contact
Apprenticeship Team
01254 292500
apprenticeships@blackburn.ac.uk
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